Opinion
One of The Packer’s first mentions of sustainability and packaging (apart from some back-and-forth banter about RPCs and corrugated cartons) appeared in coverage from the 2005 PMA Fresh Summit event.
Advertised produce specials, or “ads,” have always been powerful marketing tools. Exactly how is not always so clear.
When Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine in 1953, he was feted in a New York ticker tape parade and hailed as the “great doctor-benefactor of his time.” Compare that to today.
The California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay recently penned an op-ed highlighting the impacts of inflation on the state’s agriculture and specifically, stone fruit industry.
Holloway President Vard Terry was an agvocate five decades before the term existed, and I’m not sure there’s a better advocate of the industry today.
Years ago, I, along with another produce specialist, supervised a 66-store chain.
When I stop into just about any retail or service operation, chances are I’m going to encounter “the trainee.”
While the produce industry is no doubt unique, there are powerful lessons that can be found by looking across sectors, particularly to industries that share a common charge: protecting consumer safety.
What does the “industry” need from the government?
A produce manager’s predawn musings: What were the sales from the previous day? Did our load arrive overnight, just get there or, worse, hadn’t yet pulled into the dock? Any out-of-stocks?
Unlike “organic,” which is clearly defined and regulated by the USDA, “regenerative” and “climate-smart” agriculture are currently loosely defined.
By its very nature, snacking is a spur-of-the-moment decision, and retailers can get creative with that impulse, reminding shoppers fresh produce is a great option.
While attending the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference, I visited with a produce professional in the tech space.
Décor, clothing and little touches around a produce department don’t necessarily change a lot, but they can lead to increased customer traffic, sales and gross profit, says columnist Armand Lobato.
A Center for Produce Safety program aims to develop professionals who have the well-rounded skill set it takes to advance fresh produce food safety, says Steve Patricio, CPS board director.
It takes some additional work to incorporate the little bags into produce displays, but the results are evident, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Produce managers who know their store and customers well can be a great source for creative merchandising ideas — if they they’re allowed to be.
Retail produce departments are much different than those of yesteryear, but some key elements haven’t changed, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The manager of produce food safety for Wegmans Food Markets discusses produce safety and research efforts.
Christmas will be here soon — as will the rush of customer traffic, says columnist Armand Lobato. Are you ready for it?
After two decades of negotiations, Chile has reached the last mile in the authorization process of the systems approach for table grape exports to the North American market.
No surprise here; the accommodation and foodservice industry is the industry with the “most quitting” in the U.S., according to a study.
Layoffs are a grim possibility heading into 2023, meaning now is the time for workers to stand out from the rest of the staff, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Despite pressure from Congress and from stakeholders in U.S. agriculture, the Biden administration has refused calls to include tariff reduction in its major trade initiative, says Adam Hollowell of Bryant Christie Inc.
Is inflation killing online grocery shopping?
Yes, December has a lot packed into 31 days, but does December still have the impact it once had in retail grocery?
Despite what some might believe, these arrangements are still affordable — and welcomed — gifts that can make an impression, says columnist Armand Lobato.
Exploring a new produce position can be exciting, but be sure to get clarity about job details and responsibilities before accepting, says columnist Armand Lobato.